Afon Tryweryn - Above Llyn Celyn

Written by Mark Rainsley (from inspection only) and Canolfan Tryweryn.

Last Updated: 11 June 2013

GUIDE TO THE AFON TRYWERYN

(Above Llyn Celyn)

NAME OF RIVER: Tryweryn.

WHERE IS IT?: This section is rarely paddled. The classic section of the river flows out of Llyn Celyn Dam. Take the A4212 from Bala and keep going past the lake to the head of the valley.

PUT-INS/ TAKE-OUTS: Unknown, see below.

APPROX LENGTH: Unknown.

TIME NEEDED: Unknown.

ACCESS HASSLES: Unknown.

WATER LEVEL INDICATORS: More rain the better... Up to a point (see photos below).

GRADING: Grade 4, then grade 1/2, then 5/6 before entering the lake.

MAJOR HAZARDS/ FALLS: Major waterfalls and slides before the river enters Llyn Celyn. These are somewhat extreme and usually portaged. Myth said the best rapids are under the reservoir.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: This section includes a section of steep class 4 at the very top of the valley, then a simple section before falling over major waterfalls and finally entering Llyn Celyn proper. This whole section has been run over the years at various levels but it is better to say, the more rain the better!

Mark R adds...'We inspected the Grade 5/6 section and saw no end of blocked falls and slides. We bottled out, but with appropriate gear and a masochistic mentality it looked quite runnable'.

OTHER NOTES: Do not confuse this trip with the classic and deservedly popular dam released section. Are you able to add any more detail to this rather thin guide?